I am distracted by many things today, Father, enable me to place my focus squarely on You. Amen.
Romans 5:1-5 (<<click here to read the passage)
What did you want to be when you grew up? (Maybe you’re still waiting for that to happen!) A few months ago, parents posted pictures of their kids on the first day of school and it often included what they wanted to be when they grew up – doctors, firemen, veterinarians, teachers, etc. One of my cousins’ granddaughters wants to run a doggy daycare. 😊
Those are all wonderful goals, and some may come to fruition while many others may change numerous times before they settle into a career. Even then, many may change careers a few times. None of us know what the future may hold.
What nobody talks about too much is that no matter what paths we choose, we will find countless trials and struggles along the way. My Life Application Bible shared this thought, Paul tells us that in the future we will become, but until then we must overcome.
One thing that young people find difficult to process is that where they find themselves is in actuality a “bite-size” piece of life. Early on being in school is an adventure but talk to high school students and you get the impression that they are so done with it all and just want the next phase to come along. Yes, there are struggles and heartaches, but by the time they start really feeling those things they’re almost through most of it. Instead of focusing on the good, they focus on the “oppression” of it all.
Cherish where you are. Savor every moment, for soon it will be gone…and life will never be the same.
A lot of life is striving to overcome the difficulties we find there. But at the actual end of life, we will become what Christ knew we could be.
The problems that we run into will develop our perseverance which in turn will strengthen our character, deepen our trust in God, and give us greater confidence about the future. You probably find your patience tested in some way every day. Thank God for those opportunities to grow, and deal with them in his strength.
Thank God for those “opportunities”? We rejoice in suffering, not because we like pain or deny its tragedy, but because we know God is using life’s difficulties and Satan’s attacks to build our character
The Apostle Peter puts it well,
In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in [your] praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7 AMP
It is tough going, but you are not alone. You have many companions along the way. And never forget that the Holy Spirit will never leave or forsake you. Every day you are one step closer to becoming what Christ knows, even now, what we can be!
Nov 14th, 2022, Mon, 1:02 pm
